The Most Infamous Hoarders Who Ever Lived

Homer and Langley Collyer, more commonly known as The Collyet Brothers, achieved infamy for their bizarre natures and compulsive hoarding.

These reclusive siblings lived in a Harlem brownstone at 2078 Fifth Avenue in New York. There, they amassed an astonishing collection of items over several decades. Their home was a labyrinth of books, furniture, musical instruments, and countless other objects.

To protect their hoard, they set up booby traps in corridors and doorways, ready to ensnare any intruders.

The Tragic Discovery 

The Collyer brothers’ lives took a tragic turn when they were found dead in their home in March 1947. Homer passed away on March 21, while Langley’s body wasn’t discovered until April 8th.

The shocking discovery revealed more than 140 tons (127,000 kg) of accumulated possessions.

Since the 1960s, the site of their former residence has been turned into a small park that the public can visit. It’s aptly named The Collyer Brothers Pocket Park.

Understanding Hoarding Disorder 

Hoarding Disorder is a condition that describes a person who has ongoing trouble throwing away or separating from their objects. The person feels very strongly about saving their possessions.

Here are some interesting facts about this complex condition:

Prevalence in America

• Between 2-6% of people in America have a hoarding disorder.
• Animal hoarding is common, with some individuals keeping dozens or even hundreds of pets.
• People over 60 tend to hoard more than other age groups.
• People who live with mental health challenges like depression and anxiety are more likely to be hoarders.

Gender Differences

• Men and women display hoarding symptoms differently.
• More often than women, men are the ones who have trouble parting with their items.
• While male hoarders tend toward anxiety disorders, women hoarders tend to struggle more with social phobias and body image issues.

Link to OCD

• Depression, OCD, and ADHD have common links to hoarding.
• About 40% of men and women with OCD exhibit hoarding behavior.
• Hoarding is a distinct disorder, separate from non-hoarding OCD.

Causes and Triggers

• Traumatic events, such as death and chronic stress, can trigger hoarding.
• There is evidence that hoarding may be genetic, linked to a unique pattern on Chromosome 14.
• Environmental factors and stressful life events play a role in the development of hoarding disorder.

Complications

• Untreated hoarding can lead to family conflicts, isolation, health hazards, and legal issues.
• Cluttered living spaces pose fire hazards and increase the risk of falls.
• Poor work performance and attendance can be a side-effect of compulsive hoarding.

Treatment Challenges

• Hoarding disorder is often unrecognizable, making diagnosis difficult.
• Behavioral therapy is the primary treatment method.
• Some doctors might recommend psychiatric medications, along with therapy.

The Line Between Eccentricity and Tragedy

The Collyer Brothers’ tragic tale serves as a haunting reminder of the fine line between eccentricity and tragedy.

Hoarding disorder is a complex puzzle affecting millions of people worldwide. Working to understand the causes and options for hoarders can help us all to be more understanding of those who are struggling.

If you or someone you know is struggling with hoarding disorder, seeking professional help is essential. This help, alongside a person-focused and compassionate cleaning team like HALO, can make a significant difference in managing this challenging condition.

Our Approach to Compulsive Hoarding

HALO has been invited to support countless clients with hoarding disorder.

As compassionate cleaners, our job is to arrive free of judgment and help our clients and their families find peace in their homes. We are committed to developing a plan that works for your needs so that you can enjoy a liveable space again.

Learn more about what we do and how we do it.